GB2496880A

GB2496880A - Space saving storage device

Info

Publication number: GB2496880A
Application number: GB201120288A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Richard Bradshaw
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 2011-11-24
Filing date: 2011-11-24
Publication date: 2013-05-29
Also published as: GB201120288D0

Abstract

A space saving storage device for mounting in a roof space comprises a support portion 32 which is configured to be secured to a roof support member 14, 16, 18, 20; and a storage portion 36 mechanically linked to the support portion by a linkage 38. The linkage is configured such that the storage portion is movable relative to the support portion between a first position, being substantially within the roof space, and a second position, being substantially within a room space located beneath the roof space. The storage portion may consist of shelving, or may contain a wardrobe or a fold down bed (figure 5). The storage portion is preferably movable in a linear direction vertically down from the roof space through an opening in the ceiling and may be aided by a counterweight mechanism.

Description

Storage Device The present invention relates to a storage device. In particular, the present invention relates to a storage device for mounting in a roof space and a ceiling mountable storage device. The present invention also relates to a method of installing a storage device and a method of constructing a roof, in particular a method of constructing a roof from a plurality of support members configured to support a storage device.

Within dwellings such as a house there is often a need to store items so that they are out of sight and so that they are out of the way. It is common to utilise storage space to store such items. The storage space may be located within the living space of the dwelling, for example the storage space may be a cupboard or storeroom located on the ground floor or an upper floor of the house. Locating storage space within the living space of the dwelling may, in some circumstances, be disadvantageous because the storage space reduces the amount of living space which is available.

It is also common to locate storage space in a part of a dwelling which is not within the living space of the dwelling. For example, it is common to store items in a roof space above the living space of the dwelling, commonly referred to as the loft Such loft storage has several disadvantages.

First, Access to the loft tends to be up a ladder from the living space below the loft and through a small opening between the living space and the loft. The combination of having to climb the ladder with any item that is to be stored in the loft and having to pass through the small opening which restricts movement may make placing an item to be stored into the loft a difficult task. This task may be particularly difficult for those with a reduced capacity to carry out physical work; for example, children, the elderly or those with a physical disability.

Secondly, the environment within the loft may be different to the environment within the living space. For example, the loft may be more dusty, draughty, cold andlor humid than the living space. The items to be stored in the loft may be such that they are adversely affected by the environment of the loft. In such cases, damage or wear may occur to such items stored in the loft.

It is an object of the present invention to obviate or mitigate at least one of the problems with the prior art, whether discussed above or otherwise.

According to a first aspect of the invention there is provided a storage device for mounting in a roof space, the storage device comprising a support portion which is configured, in use, to be secured to a roof support member; and a storage porbon mechanically linked to the support portion by a linkage; wherein the linkage is configured such that the storage portion is movable relative to the support portion between a first position and a second position; the first position, in use, being substantially within the roof space, and the secondposition, in use, being substantially within a room space located beneath the roof space.

The roof support member may be a roof truss1 ceiling joist, floor joist, purlin or rafter.

The storage portion may comprise a shelving unit, a wardrobe, a cupboard, a fridge or a freezer.

The linkage may be configured such that the movement of the storage portion relative to the support portion between the first and second positions is a linear movement.

The linear movement of the storage portion from the first position to the second position, in use, may be a movement which is a vertically downward movement.

The support portion may comprise a cover which at least partially encloses the storage portion when the storage portion is in the first position.

The linkage may comprise a guide rail and a follower, the follower being received by the guide rail, the guide rail being mechanically linked to one of the support portion and the storage portion, and the follower being mechanically linked to the other of the support portion and the storage portion.

The storage device may further comprise a counterweight which is mechanically linked to the storage portion.

The storage portion may comprise a base and wherein, when the storage portion is in the first position, in use, the base is substantially flush with a portion of a ceiling of the room space.

The storage portion may comprise a pivot and a pivoting portion, the pivoting portion configured such that, when the storage portion is in the second position, the pivoting portion may pivot, relative to a portion of the storage portion, about the pivot between a stowed position and an opened out position.

The pivoting portion may have a longitudinal axis, the longitudinal axis of the pivoting portion being substantially vertical when the pivoting portion is in the stowed position, and the longitudinal axis of the pivoting portion being substantially horizontal when the pivoting portion is in the opened out position.

The pivoting portion may comprise a bed, a table, a chair or an ironing board.

According to a second aspect of the invention there is provided a ceiling mountable storage device comprising a support portion which is configured, in use, to be secured to a ceiling support member; and a storage portion having a longitudinal axis and being mechanically linked to the support portion by a linkage; wherein the linkage is configured such that the storage portion is pivotably movable relative to the support portion between a first position and a second position; the longitudinal axis of the storage portion in the first position, in use, being substantially parallel to the plane of the ceiling.

The ceiling support member may be a ceiling joist.

The longitudinal axis of the storage portion in the second position, in use, may be substantially horizontal.

The storage portion may comprise a panel and, when the storage portion is in the first position, in use, the panel may be substantially flush with a portion of a ceiling adjacent the storage device.

The storage portion may further comprise a pivot and a pivoting portion, the pivoting portion configured such that, when the storage portion is in the second position, the pivoting portion may pivot, relative to a portion of the storage portion, about the pivot between a stowed position and an opened out position.

According to a third aspect of the invention there is provided a method of installing a storage device for mounting in a roof space, the storage device comprising a support portion; a storage portion mechanically linked to the support portion by a linkage; wherein the linkage is configured such that the storage portion is movable relative to the support portion between a first position and a second position; the method comprising creating an opening in a ceiling between the roof space and a room space located beneath the roof space; and securing the support portion to a roof support member such that the storage portion moves through the opening when the support member moves between the first position and the second position; and such that first position of the storage portion is substantially within the roof space, and the second position is substantially within the room space.

According to a fourth aspect of the invention there is provided a method of constructing a roof including a storage device, the storage device comprising a support portion, a storage portion mechanically linked to the support portion by a linkage, the linkage being configured such that the storage portion is movable relative to the support portion between a first position and a second position; the method comprising assembling the roof from at least one roof support member, and securing the support portion to the at east one roof support member such that the first position of the storage portion is substantially within a roof space defined by the roof, and the second position of the storage portion is substantially within a room space located beneath the roof space.

The at least one roof support member may be a plurality of roof support members, the plurality of roof support members being configured to support, in use, the storage device and an additional load stored within the storage device, and the plurality of roof support members being configured such that the storage portion in the first position is situated between at least two roof support members.

The at east two roof support members between which the storage portion in the first position is situated may be adjacent the storage device.

Specific embodiments of the present invention will now be described, by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which: Figure 1 shows a schematic wire-frame view of a portion of a roof structure having a storage device in accordance with a first embodiment of the present invention, the storage device having a storage portion in a second position; Figure 2 shows a schematic wire-frame view of the storage device shown in Figure 1 the storage device having a storage portion in a first position; Figures 3 and 4 show alternative storage portions which may form part of a storage device according to the present invention; Figure 5 shows a schematic wire-frame view of a portion of a roof structure having a storage device in accordance with a second embodiment of the present invention; Figure 6 shows a schematic side elevation of two further embodiments of a storage device according to the present invention; and Figures 7 and 8 show alternative storage portions which may form part of a storage device according to the present invention, Figures 1 and 2 show a schematic wire-frame view of a portion of a roof structure 10, The portion of the roof structure 10 shown has a first roof truss 12 and a second roof truss 14. The first and second roof trusses 12, 14 may be referred to as fink trusses.

The first and second trusses 12, 14 each comprise a pair of upper beams (also referred to as rafters or upper chords) 16, a lower chord (or ceiling joist) 18 and four cross-members 20. Each of the first and second trusses 12, 14 is constructed such that the upper chord 16 and lower chord 18 form a triangular frame, The cross-members 20 each extend between an upper chord 16 and the lower chord 18.

In order to aid clarity, details of the roof batons, purlins and ceiling batons which extend between adjacent roof trusses are omitted within the Figure. The beams, ceiling joists arid cross members which make up the roof trusses, in addition to roof batons, purlins and ceiling batons may be referred to as roof support members. Any part of the roof structure which enables the roof to be supported by the building of which the roof forms pad may be referred to as a roof support member.

Figures 1 and 2 also show a storage device 30 according to the present invention mounted within the roof space defined between the first and second roof trusses 12, 14. The storage device 30 has a support portion 32 which is secured to a roof support member. In this case, the support portion 32 of the storage device 30 is secured to a plurality of roof support members. In this case, the support portion 32 comprises a substantially cuboid frame 34 which is secured to the lower chord 18, two of the cross-members 20, and an upper chord 16 of each of the first and second roof trusses 12, 14.

The storage device 30 further comprises a storage portion 36 which is mechanically linked to the support portion 32 by a linkage. In this case the linkage comprises four similar guiderails 38. The guiderails 38 are each located at a corner of the generally cuboid support frame 34. Each guiderail 38 has a longitudinal axis which is substantially vertical. The linkage (which in this case comprises the guiderails 38) that mechanically links the support portion 32 to the storage portion 36 enables the storage portion 36 to be moved relative to the support portion 32 between a first position (shown in Figure 2 and in which the storage portion is located substantially within the roof space defined between the first and second roof trusses 12, 14) and a second position (as shown in the Figure and in which the storage portion 36 is located substantially within a room space located beneath the roof space defined between the first and second roof trusses 12, 14). This is achieved as follows.

The storage portion 36 has a follower (not shown) attached to each of the corners of the storage portion 36. Each follower is received by a corresponding guiderail 38 located at a respective corner of the support frame 34. As the storage portion 36 moves between the first and second positions, each of the followers co-operates with its respective guiderail 38 such that each follower moves along the longitudinal axis of its respective guiderail 38. In this way, when the storage portion 36 moves relative to the support portion 32 between the first position and the second position, the storage portion 36 moves relative to the support portion 32 in a generally vertical direction. In particular the movement of the storage portion 36 relative to the support portion 32 between the first and second positions is a linear movement. The linear movement of the storage portion 36 relative to the support portion 31 when the storage portion moves from the first position to the second position is a vertically downwards movement.

Within the embodiment described above, the movement of the storage portion 36 relative to the support portion 31 when the storage portion moves from the first position to the second position is a linear movement and is a vertically downwards movement.

It will be appreciated that in some embodiments of the present invention the movement may not be a linear movement. In other embodiments of the invention the linear movement may not be a vertically downwards movement. For example, the linear movement may be a generally diagonal movement. In this case at least one guiderails of the linkage may extend in a generally diagonal direction (i.e. at an angle to the vertical). The at least one guiderail may extend in a direction which is paraflel to a (diagonal) longitudinal axis of at least one of the roof support members. In this case the linear movement when the storage portion moves from the first position to the second position may be movement in a direction which is substantially parallel to the (diagonal) longitudinal axis of at least one of the roof support members. The at least one guide rail may be attached to a roof support member which has a longitudinal axis which extends in a diagonal direction.

In the case where the movement of the storage portion relative to the support portion when the storage portion moves from the first position to the second position is a linear diagonal (upwards) movement, it will be appreciated that the movement of the storage portion relative to the support portion when the storage portion moves from the second position to the first position will also be a linear diagonal movement. This may be advantageous in some applications because the diagonal movement in order to move the storage portion from the second position to the first position (as compared to a vertically upward movement) requires less force to be exerted for any given mass of storage portion and load. This means that a given person (having a certain physical strength) operating the storage device will be capable of moving a storage portion (and stored load) of greater mass from the second position to the first position when the relative movement between the second position and the first position is a diagonal movement compared to when the relative movement between the second position and the first position is a linear upwards movement.

As previously discussed, when the storage portion 36 is in the first position the storage portion is located substantially within the roof space defined between the first and second roof trusses 12, 14. Also when the storage portion 36 is in the second position, the storage portion 36 is substantially within the room space located beneath (i.e., verticaUy below) the roof space defined between the first and second roof trusses, 12, 14. A ceiling is attached to the lower chords 18 of the first and second ceiling joists 12, 14. An aperture 42 (or opening) is provided in the ceiling 40 such that the storage portion 36 of the storage device 30 passes through the aperture 42 in the ceiling 40 when the storage portion 36 moves relative to the support portion 32 between the first and second positions.

The roof space roof space defined between the first and second roof trusses 12, 14 may also be defined as being above the ceiling 40.

When the storage portion 36 is in the second position (such that the storage portion 36 is located substantially within the room space located beneath the roof space defined by the roof trusses 12, 14), a user can either insert items to be stored into the storage portion 36 or can retrieve items which have been stored from the storage portion 36.

When the storage portion is in the first position (such that the storage portion 36 is substantially within the roof space defined by the first and second roof trusses 12, 14), the storage portion occupies less space within the room space located beneath the roof space than when the storage portion 36 is in the second position. It follows that, when the storage portion 36 is in the first position, there is more space within the room space which can be utilised as living space.

The present invention provides a way of storing items in the roof space (i.e., when the storage portion 36 is in the first position) whilst easily being able to access the stored items without having to go into the roof space (i.e., stored items can be accessed when the storage portion 36 is in the second position). In this way the present invention provides a way of utilising roof space in order to store items without the need to go into the roof space (or loft) to do so. This makes storing items in the roof space or retrieving items from the roof space much easier than using known roof space storage methods. For example, utilising the a storage device according to the present invention may be undertaken by those with a reduced capacity to carry out physical work; for example, children, the elderly or those with a physical disability.

In some embodiments of the present invention, such as that shown in Figures 1 and 2, the storage device may be configured such that when the storage portion 36 is in the first position (as shown in Figure 2), then a base 44 of the storage portion 36 is located within the aperture 42 within the ceiling 40 such that a surface of the base 44 of the storage portion 36 is flush with the ceiling 40. In this case the surface of the base 44 of the storage portion 36 which is flush with the ceiling 40 is the lowermost surface of the base 44. In some embodiments the base 44 of the storage portion 36 of the storage device 30 being flush with the ceiling 40 will mean that the ceiling will appear to be a generally continuous plainer surface This may improve the aesthetic appearance of the ceiling 40 when viewed from within the room space beneath the roof space.

It can be seen from Figure 2 that when the storage portion 36 is in the first position relative to the support portion 32, the guiderails 38 do not project into the room space beneath the roof space (as is the case in Figure 1, where the storage portion 36 is in the second position). This is because, in the shown embodiment, the guiderails 38 are telescopic, such that the guiderails 38 extend into the room space beneath the roof space when the storage portion 36 is in the second position, but such that the guiderails 38 retract and are contained within the roof space when the storage portion 36 is in the first position.

The embodiment of the storage device described above has a linkage which mechanically links the storage portion to the support portion such that the storage portion can be moved relative to the support portion between the first and second positions. The linkage in the case of the present embodiment comprises a plurality of guiderails and corresponding followers which are each received by a guiderail. The guiderails are mechanically linked to the support portion and the followers are mechanically linked to the storage portion.

It will be appreciated that in other embodiments of the present invention, the linkage may comprise any appropriate number (including one) of guiderails and corresponding followers. Furthermore, in other embodiments of the present invention, the linkage may be such that the at least one guiderail is mechanically linked to the support portion and the least one corresponding follower is mechanically linked to the support portion.

In addition, it will be appreciated that although the linkage of the present embodiment of the invention comprises guiderails and corresponding followers, any appropriate linkage may be used to link the storage portion to the support portion of the storage device, providing that the linkage allows the storage portion to move relative to the support portion between the first and second positions.

Although not readily discernible from Figures 1 and 2 due to the wire-frame nature of these views of the storage device 30, the support portion 32 of the storage device 30 has a cover which encloses the storage portion 36 when the storage portion 36 is in the first position. The cover comprises several generally planar portions which are attached to the support frame 34 so that they constitute the faces of the generally cuboid shape defined by the support frame 34. However, the cover does not form a face at the base of the cuboid shape defined by the support frame 34. This is so that the storage portion 36 can pass through the aperture 42 in the ceiling 40 when the storage portion 36 moves between the first and second positions. The cover is such that it isolates the storage portion 36 from the environment in the roof space defined by the roof trusses 12, 14 when the storage portion 36 is in the first position (as shown in Figure 2). It follows that the cover is such that it generally encloses the storage portion 36 when the storage portion 36 is in the first position.

The environment within the roof space may be unsuitable for any items which are to be stored within the storage device. For example, the roof space may be more dusty, drafty, cold and/or humid than is acceptable. As such, items to be stored in the storage device may be adversely affected by the environment of the roof space. In such cases, damage or wear may occur to such items stored in the storage device. By at least partially enclosing the storage portion 36 when it is in the first position, the cover at least partially isolates the storage portion 36 from the environment in the roof space, thereby minimising any adverse conditions which may be experienced by the items to be stored in the storage device 30. It follows that any the risk of damage or wear occurring to the items to be stored in the storage device 30 due to the environment in the roof space is minimised because the storage portion is at least partially isolated from the environment of the roof space.

It wili be appreciated that the cover may be fabricated from any appropriate material.

For example, the cover may be formed from wooden material, a metallic material, a plastics material or a fabric material. The cover may be formed from a waterproof material such that if the roof were to leak, water leaking into the roof space would not come into contact with items stored in the storage device.

The storage device may include a counterweight (not shown) which is mechanically inked to the storage portion. The counterweight acts so as to exert a force on the storage portion of the storage device which opposes the force which ads on the storage portion due to its own weight (and the weight of any items stored within the storage portion). The counterweight may comprise a flexible elongate member secured at one end to a portion of the support portion and secured at a second end to a weight which has a similar mass to that of the storage portion (or the storage portion plus any additional mass due to stored items). The flexible elongate member may pass through a pulley system which is secured to the support portion of the storage device or an appropriate roof support member. The pulley may or may not provide a mechanical advantage.

It will be appreciated that although a counterweight has been described as a weight reduction device which may form part of the invention and which has the function of counteracting, at least in part, the weight of the storage portion (and of anything stored in the storage portion), any other appropriate weight reduction device may be used. For example, any appropriate spring, hydraulic or pneumatic gas strut, or other suitable resilient biasing means may be used. In the case where any of these suitable resilient biasing means is used, a first end of the resilient biasing means may be attached to the storage portion of the storage device and a second end of the resilient biasing means may be attached to the support portion or a roof support member.

The storage device may also have a lock mechanism which is configured to lock the storage portion in the first positron. The lock mechanism may also be configured to be selectively releasable so that the storage portion can be moved relative to the support portion between form the first position to the second position. The lock mechanism may incorporate a catch-plate which is mechanically linked to the support portion and a user-operable catch which is mechanically linked to the storage portion. The catch and catch-plate may co-operate such that when the storage portion is moved into the first position, the catch engages the catch-plate and prevents the storage portion from moving relative to the support portion out of the first position. A user may operate the catch such that it is disengaged from the catch-plate. In this way, the lock mechanism has been released and the catch may now move relative to the catch-plate.

Consequently, the storage portion can then be moved from the first position to the second position.

The storage portion 36 of the embodiment shown in Figures 1 and 2 comprises several shelves 46. Figures 3 and 4 shown alternative storage portions which may be utilised as part of a storage device in accordance with the present invention. The storage portion 48 shown in Figure 3 has a pair of doors 50 mounted on the side of the storage portion 48. It will be appreciated that in other embodiments of the invention any appropriate number of doors may be utilised (including a single door) and the door(s) may open in any appropriate direction. Within Figure 3 the storage portion 36 comprises a cupboard. However, it will be appreciated that in other embodiments of the present invention, the ability to incorporate a door into the storage portion means that other storage options may be incorporated into the storage portion. For example, the storage portion may include a wardrobe, a fridge or a freezer.

Figure 4 shows a storage portion 52 which is reduced in size relative to the storage portions 36 and 48 shown in Figures 1, 2 and 3. It will be appreciated that it is within the scope of the present invention for the storage portion and corresponding support portion to have any appropriate size. The storage portion 52 shown in Figure 4 comprises a box-like mounting member 54 to which a television screen 56 has been mounted. The television screen 56 may be mounted to the mounting member 54 such that its orientation relative to the mounting member 54 can be adjusted. The television screen 56 is mounted to the mounting member 54 which forms part of the storage portion 52, such that when the storage portion 52 is in the second position the television 56 can be watched by a user who is in the room space beneath the roof space defined by at least one roof support member to which the support portion is mounted.

Figure 5 shows a further embodiment of the present invention. In common with the embodiment of the invention discussed in relation to Figures 1 and 2, the embodiment of the invention shown in Figure 5 has a support portion 32a which is secured to several roof support members. The support portion 32a is mechanically linked to a storage portion 36a by a linkage (not shown). The linkage is configured such that the storage portion 36a is moveable relative to the support portion 32a between a first position (not shown) and a second position (as shown in the Figure). When the storage portion 36a is in the first position relative to the support portion 32a, the storage portion 36a is substantially located in the roof space defined by the roof support members. When the storage portion 36a is in the second position relative to the support portion 32a, the storage portion 36a is located substantially within the room space located beneath the roof space defined by the roof support members.

The embodiment of the invention shown in Figure 5 is different from those shown in Figures 1 and 2 in that the storage portion has a vertical brace member 58 to which a pivoting portion 60 is secured by a pivot 62. The pivot 62 pivotally secures the pivoting portion 60 to the brace member 58 such that when the storage portion 36a is in the second position (and hence the brace portion has been lowered into the room space) the pivoting portion 60 may pivot relative to the brace member 58 about the pivot 62 in a direction indicated by the arrow 64 between a stowed position (not shown) and an opened-out position (shown in Figure 5).

The pivoting portion 60 has a longitudinal axis indicated by A-A. The longitudinal axis A-A of the pivoting portion 60 is substantially vertical when the pivoting portion 50 is in the stowed position. In the stowed position the pivoting portion is received within the brace member 58 such that the support portion 36a can move between the second and first positions through the aperture 42 in the ceiling 40. Figure 5 shows that when the pivoting portion 50 is in the opened-out position, the longitudinal axis A-A of the pivoting portion 60 is substantially horizontal. In some embodiments, when the pivoting portion is in the opened-out position, the pivoting portion may contact the floor of the room space beneath the roof space. In other embodiments of the invention the pivoting portion may be held in the opened-cut position by a stop, a ratchet mechanism or any other appropriate mechanism which can limit relative rotational movement between the brace member and the pivoting portion.

In the embodiment shown in Figure 5, the pivoting portion is a portion of a bed. In other embodiments the pivoting portion may comprise part of a table (such as a tabletop), part of a chair (such as a seat of a chair) or part of an ironing board (such as an ironing surface).

The pivoting portion and brace member may incorporate a lock mechanism to prevent the pivoting portion inadvertently moving from the stowed position to the opened-out position.

Although the support portion of the embodiment of the invention shown in figures 1 and 2 comprises a generally cuboid frame, in other embodiments, this need not be the case. For example, the support structure may comprise four separate guide rails or extending struts or the like, one of which is located at each of the corners of the aperture within the ceiling. Each of the guide rails or extending struts or the like is linked to the storage portion. It will be appreciated that these embodiments may not have a cover that forms part of the support portion. Instead, a cover may be provided on the storage portion. Furthermore, any appropriate number of guide rails or extending struts or the like may be used, and they may be located at any appropriate location around the aperture in the ceiling.

Figure 6 shows two separate storage devices iDa, 70b in accordance with two further embodiments of the invention. Each storage device 70a, 70b has a support portion 72a, 72b (shown in dashed lines) which are mounted to at least one ceiling support member (in this case adjacent ceiling joists 74, only one of which is shown). The storage devices 70a, 70b also each have a storage portion 76a, 76b which is mechanically linked to the support portion 72a, 72b by a linkage. In the embodiment shown in Figure 5, the linkage of each storage device 70a, 70b comprises a pivot 78a, 78b.

The linkage of each of the embodiments shown in Figure 6 is configured such that the storage portion 76a, 76b is pivotally moveable relative to the support portion 72a, 72b between a first position (not shown) and a second position (shown within Figure 6).

Each of the storage portions 76a, 76b of the storage devices 70a, 70b has a longitudinal axis (B-B and C-C, respectively). In the first position, the longitudinal axis B-B, C-C of each of the storage portions 76a, 76b of the storage devices 70a, lOb is such that each of the longitudinal axes B-B, C-C is substantially parallel to the plain of the ceiling 74.

In the first position of the storage portion 76a, 76b the storage portion 76a, 76b is received by the support portion 72a, 72b. As discussed in relation to the embodiments of the invention described above, the support portion 72a, 72b comprises a cover (not shown) which at least partially isolates the storage portion 76a, 76b from the environment of the roof space when the storage portion 76a, 76b is in the first position.

Each of the storage portions 76a, 76b shown in Figure 6 comprise a panel BOa, 80b.

The panel BOa, 80b is located such that when the storage portion 76a, 76b is in the first position, the panel 80a, BOb is substantially flush with a portion of the ceiling 74 which is adjacent the storage device. In this way, when the storage portion 76a, 76b is in the first position, the panel BOa, SOb and ceiling 74 will form a substantially planar surface such that when the ceiling 74 and panel BOa, BOb are viewed by a user from within the room space beneath the roof space, then the ceiling will appear to be substantially continuous. This may be aesethically pleasing to the user.

It can be seen that, within Figure 6, each of the longitudinal axes B-B. C-C of the storage portions 76a, 76b are substantially horizontal when the storage portions 76a, 76b are in the second position. However, it will be appreciated that in other embodiments of the invention this need not be the case.

Figures 7 and 8 show storage portions 76c and 76d which may form the storage portion 76a of the storage device 70a. The storage portion 76c shown in Figure 7 has a hanging member 52 which protrudes from a surface 84 of the storage portion 76c which is on the opposite side of the storage portion 76c compared to a surface 86 which is visible from within the room space when the storage portion 76c is in the first position. That is to say, surface 84 is received by the support portion when the storage portion 76c is in the first position. The hanging member 82 may be used to hang an item of clothing 68. The storage portion 76c further comprises a pair of storage straps which are secured to the storage portion 76c and which hold the item of clothing 88 against the surface 84. It will be apparent that when the storage portion 76c is in the first position, the item of clothing 88 (or any other item being stored by the storage portion 76c) will be received by the support portion of the storage device such that the item of clothing 88 is out of sight to a user within the room space beneath the roof space.

Figure 8 shows a storage portion 76d which comprises a plurality of pockets 92 which can be used to hold items which are to be stored.

Returning now to the storage devices shown in Figure 6, storage device 70b differs from storage device 70a in that the storage portion 76b of storage device 70b comprises a further pivot 94 and a pivoting portion 96. The pivoting portion 96 is configured such that, when the storage portion 76b is in the second position (as shown in Figure 6) the pivoting portion 96 may pivot about the pivot 94 relative to a brace portion 98 of the storage portion 7Gb between a stowed position (not shown) and an opened-out position (shown in Figure 6). The pivoting portion 96 has a longitudinal axis D-D. The longitudinal axis D-D of the pivoting portion 96 is substantially vertical when the pivoting portion 96 is in the stowed position (not shown). In the stowed position the pivoting portion 96 (and in particular an end 100 of the pivoting portion 96 which is remote from the pivot 9.4) is received by the brace portion 98. In the present embodiment, due to the fact that the longitudinal axis C-C of the storage portion 76 is substantially vertical when the storage portion 76b is in the second position, and due to the fact that the longitudinal axis D-D of the pivoting portion 96 is substantially vertical when the pivoting portion 96 is in the stowed position, when the pivoting portion 96 is in the stowed position the longitudinal axis C-C of the storage portion 76b and the longitudinal axis D-D of the pivoting portion 96 are substantially parallel.

Figure 6 shows the pivoting portion 96 of the storage portion 76b of the storage device 70b in an opened-out position. In the opened-out position, the longitudinal axis D-D of the pivoting portion 96 is substantially horizontal. It will be appreciated that in other embodiments this may not be the case The horizontal surface formed by the pivoting portion 96 when it is in its opened-out position may form the surface of a table or the seat of a chair. The pivoting portion 96 may in other embodiments incorporate fold-out legs which fold out from the pivoting portion 96 and contact a floor of the room space so as to support the pivoting portion 96 when it is in its opened-out position.

The orientation of the pivoting portion 96 relative to the brace portion 98 when the pivoting portion 96 is in the opened-out position may be defined by the pivoting portion 96 engaging a stop (not shown) which is associated with the brace portion 98.

Alternatively, a ratchet mechanism may be linked to the pivoting portion 96 and the brace portion 98 so as to hold the pivoting portion 96 in a desired orientation relative to the brace portion 98 when the pivoting portion 96 is in the opened-out position.

In a similar manner to that discussed above in relation to the embodiments of the invention shown in Figures 1 to 5, the storage devices 70a and 7Db shown in Figure 6 may incorporate a locking mechanism which can selectively retain the storage portion 76a, 76b in the first position and hence prevent the storage portion 76a, 76b from inadvertently moving from the first position to the second position. Similarly, within the storage device 7Db, a locking mechanism may be used to retain the pivoting portion 96 relative to the brace portion 98 in the stowed position, such that the pivoting portion does not inadvertently move from the stowed position to the opened-out position.

In the embodiments of the storage device shown in Figure 6, the storage devices 70a, 7Db have been mounted to at least one ceiling support member (in this case two ceiling joists) so that when the storage portion 76a, 76b is in the first position, the storage portion is located substantially level to and above the surface of the ceiling which faces into the room space. In other embodiments, the support portion of the storage device may be secured to at least one ceiling support member such that when the storage portion is in the first position, it protrudes somewhat from the ceiling surface into the room space beneath the roof space. In other embodiments, the storage device may be mounted to a ceiling support member (which may be the ceiling itself) such that the storage device is entirely below the level of the ceiling. It will be appreciated that when a portion of the storage device is located above the surface of the ceiling 74 which faces the room space, then an aperture in the ceiling will be required in order to receive the storage portion when it is in the first position.

It will be appreciated that a storage device according to the present invention may be installed when the roof is constructed from roof support members. Alternatively, a storage device according to the present invention may be retrofitted within an existing roof space and/or room space. In this case, an opening (or aperture) in the ceiling between the roof space and the room space located beneath the roof space would be created. The support portion of the storage device could then be secured to a roof support member such that the storage portion moves through the opening when the support member moves between the first position and the second position.

It will be appreciated that numerous modifications to the above described embodiments of storage device may be made without departing from the scope of the invention as defined in the appended claims. For example, the storage device may be motorised such that a motor moves the storage portion between the first and second positions. /

Furthermore, the embodiments of the invention shown in figure 6 ar such that the support portions are mounted to a ceiling support member. In the embodiments show, the ceiling is such that it separates a room space from a roof space. In other embodiments the ceiling support member(s) to which the support portion is attached may support a ceiling which separates an upper room space from a tower room space-I.e. the room space in which the storage portion is located in the second position may be a room space on the ground floor of a house, or on another floor of a house (or block of flats) which is not directly beneath the roof/roof space. In these embodiments, the ceiling support member may be a ceiling joist which is also the floor joist for a floor for a room space above the room space in which the storage portion is located in the second position. The support portion may be located within the space defined between the ceiling of one room space and the floor of another room space.

It will be appreciated that the support portion of storage devices according to the invention may be attached to any appropriate roof support member or ceiling support member. In particular, the support portion of storage devices according to the invention may be attached to any number (including only one) of roof support members or ceiling support members. The roof support member(s) or ceiling support member(s) to which the support portion of the storage device is attached may comprise at lease one additional roof or ceiling support member. An additional roof or ceiling support member is a roof or ceiling support member which is secured to another roof or ceiling support member and which is not required for supporting the roof or ceiling respectively.

It will be appreciated that although the support portions of the described embodiments of the invention are generally cuboid the storage portion (and corresponding support portion) may have any appropriate shape.

S Any of the embodiments of a storage device according to the present invention discussed above may include at least one door in a ceiling of the room below which the storage device is mounted. The at least one door may be movable between an open position in which the storage device can move between the first (stowed) position and the second (deployed) position, and a closed position in which the at least one door covers the storage portion so that the storage portion cannot be seen from the room below where the storage device is mounted.

It will also be appreciated that any of the storage devices according to the present invention may incorporate a detachable portion. For example, at least a portion of the storage portion of the storage device may be detachable from the remaining portion of the storage portion and/or from the support portion. In some embodiments the entire storage portion of the storage device may be detachable from the support portion. The at least a portion of the storage portion which is detachable may be detachable when the storage portion is in the second (deployed) position. Some examples of storage devices according to the present invention which incorporate a detachable portion are as follows.

In one embodiment, the storage device may have a storage portion which comprises a shelving unit as shown in figures 1 and 2. The storage portion may also comprise at least one removable storage insert, such as a drawer, a box, a crate or the like which can be located on at least one of the shelves of the shelving unit and which can be removed and replaced if desired.

In a further embodiment, the storage device may have a storage portion which has wheels on its base. The storage device may be configured such that the storage portion can be moved into a second (deployed) position wherein the wheels on the base of the storage portion contact a floor of the room into which the storage portion is lowered (i.e. the room below the respective roof space and/or ceiling within which or to which the storage device is mounted). Once the storage portion is in said second position at least a portion of the storage portion may be detached from the support portion such that the detached portion of the storage portion is supported by the wheels and moved around the room. When it is desired to move the storage portion back to the first (stowed) position, the detached portion of the storage portion is reattached to the support portion and moved into the first position as previously discussed.

In a further embodiment, the storage device may have a storage portion which comprises a table, a chair or any other appropriate item of furniture. In this case, when the storage portion is in said second (deployed) position, the item of furniture may detach from the support portion such that it can be located in a desired position. Again, when it is desired to move the storage portion (and hence the item of furniture) back to the first (stowed) position, the detached portion (the item of furniture) of the storage portion can be reattached to the support portion and moved into the first position as previously discussed.

Claims

<claim-text>CLAIMS: 1. A storage device for mounting in a roof space, the storage device comprising: a support portion which is configured, in use, to be secured to a roof support member; and a storage portion mechanically linked to the support portion by a linkage; wherein the linkage is configured such that the storage portion is movable relative to the support portion between a first position and a second position; the first position, in use, being substantially within the roof space, and the second position, in use, being substantially within a room space located beneath the roof space.</claim-text> <claim-text>2. A storage device according to claim 1, wherein the roof support member is a roof truss, ceiling joist, floor joist, purlin or rafter.</claim-text> <claim-text>3. A storage device according to either claim I or claim 2, wherein the storage portion comprises a shelving unit, a wardrobe, a cupboard, a fridge or a freezer.</claim-text> <claim-text>4. A storage device according to any proceeding claim, wherein the linkage is configured such that the movement of the storage portion relative to the support portion between the first and second positions is a linear movement.</claim-text> <claim-text>5. A storage device according to claim 4, wherein the linear movement of the storage portion from the first position to the second position, in use, is a movement which is a vertically downward movement.</claim-text> <claim-text>6. A storage device according to any preceding claim, wherein the support portion comprises a cover which at least partially encloses the storage portion when the storage portion is in the first position.</claim-text> <claim-text>7. A storage device according to any preceding claim, wherein the linkage comprises a guide rail and a follower, the follower being received by the guide rail, the guide rail being mechanically linked to one of the support portion and the storage portion, and the follower being mechanically linked to the other of the support portion and the storage portion.</claim-text> <claim-text>M&C PM330640GB B. A storage device according to any preceding claim, further comprising a counterweight which is mechanically linked to the storage portion.</claim-text> <claim-text>9. A storage device according to any preceding claim, wherein the storage portion comprises a base and wherein, when the storage portion is in the first position, in use, the base is substantially flush with a portion of a ceiling of the room space.</claim-text> <claim-text>10. A storage device according to any preceding claim, wherein the storage portion comprises a pivot and a pivoting portion, the pivoting portion configured such that, when the storage portion is in the second position, the pivoting portion may pivot, relative to a portion of the storage portion, about the pivot between a stowed position and an opened out position.</claim-text> <claim-text>11. A storage device according to claim 10, wherein the pivoting portion has a longitudinal axis, the longitudinal axis of the pivoting portion being substantially vertical when the pivoting portion is in the stowed position, and the longitudinal axis of the pivoting portion being substantially horizontal when the pivoting portion is in the opened out position.</claim-text> <claim-text>12. A storage device according to either claim 10 or claim 11, wherein the pivoting portion comprises a bed, a table, a chair or an ironing board.</claim-text> <claim-text>13. A ceiling mountable storage device comprising: a support portion which is configured, in use, to be secured to a ceiling support member; and a storage portion having a longitudinal axis and being mechanically linked to the support portion by a linkage; wherein the linkage is configured such that the storage portion is pivotably movable relative to the support portion between a first position and a second position; the longitudinal axis of the storage portion in the first position, in use, being substantially parallel to the plane of the ceiling.</claim-text> <claim-text>14. A storage device according to claim 13, wherein the ceiling support member is a ceiling joist.</claim-text> <claim-text>M&C PM330640GB 15. A storage device according to either claim 13 or claim 14. wherein the longitudinal axis of the storage portion in the second position, in use, is substantially horizontal.</claim-text> <claim-text>16. A storage device according to any of claims 13 to 15, wherein the storage portion comprises a panel and wherein, when the storage portion is in the first position, in use, the panel is substantially flush with a portion of a ceiling adjacent the storage device.</claim-text> <claim-text>17. A storage device according to any of claims 13 to 16, wherein the storage portion further comprises a pivot and a pivoting portion, the pivoting portion configured such that, when the storage portion is in the second position, the pivoting portion may pivot, relative to a portion of the storage portion, about the pivot between a stowed position and an opened out position.</claim-text> <claim-text>18. A storage device according to claim 17, wherein the pivoting portion has a longitudinal axis, the longitudinal axis of the pivoting portion being substantially vertical when the pivoting portion is in the stowed position, and the longitudinal axis of the pivoting portion being substantially horizontal when the pivoting portion is in the opened out position.</claim-text> <claim-text>19. A method of installing a storage device for mounting in a roof space, the storage device comprising a support portion; a storage portion mechanically linked to the support portion by a linkage; wherein the linkage is configured such that the storage portion is movable relative to the support portion between a first position and a second position; the method comprising: creating an opening in a ceiling between the roof space and a room space located beneath the roof space: and securing the support portion to a roof support member such that the storage portion moves through the opening when the support member moves between the first position and the second position; and such that first position of the storage portion is substantially within the roof space, and the second position is substantially within the room space.</claim-text> <claim-text>20. A method of constructing a roof including a storage device, the storage device comprising a support portion, a storage portion mechanically linked to the support M&C pM33OS4OGB portion by a linkage, the linkage being configured such that the storage portion is movable relative to the support portion between a first position and a second position; the method comprising: assembling the roof from at least one roof support member, and securing the support portion to the at least one roof support member such that the first position of the storage portion is substantially within a roof space defined by the roof, and the second position of the storage portion is substantially within a room space located beneath the roof space.</claim-text> <claim-text>21. A method of constructing a roof according to claim 20, wherein the at least one roof support member is a plurality of roof support members, the plurality of roof support members being configured to support, in use, the storage device and a load stored within the storage device, and the plurality of roof support members being configured such that the storage portion in the first position is situated between at least two roof support members.</claim-text> <claim-text>22. A method of constructing a roof according to claim 21, wherein the at least two roof support members between which the storage portion in the first position is situated are adjacent the storage device.</claim-text>